Sports Devotional 9/28/2000
Updated Feb 01, 2002
September 28
From the Game Plan
Read Psalm 18:16-30
Summary of Psalm 18:16-30: God supports us in time of trial; His strength can overcome our struggles. God wants us to live righteously, and He rewards us accordingly. Our prayer is for God's help. He is our perfect shield.
Point of Emphasis
"He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters." Psalm 18:16
The Boston Marathon crowd cheered wildly as Jean Driscoll wheeled toward the tape at the finish line. Taken up by the moment, the race announcer proclaimed, "Jean Driscoll wins the Boston Marathon for the eighth time!" Upon hearing that, with just a few yards to go before she would break through the tape, Jean took her hands off the wheels she had been spinning wildly for 26 miles and 300-plus yards, raising her arms in victory. As she did, to utter astonishment, her challenger Louise Sauvage flew past her in a blur and broke the tape first.
Officially, Sauvage and Driscoll's time was the same -- yet financially, Sauvage was the winner of the women's wheelchair division. She took home the $10,000 first-place money for her shocking victory.
A few weeks later, Jean was asked about that devastating circumstance. With her always-present smile flashing, she talked boldly about how God had helped her face the aftermath of the Boston debacle. "I had prayed and prayed before the race, asking God to help me. I felt before the race that the Lord would 'carry' me through the race -- that He would sweep me to victory in His arms. What I discovered was that He was there to carry me after the race." Driscoll, whose faith in Jesus Christ continues to grow, experienced a truth we all need to remember: God is not there to make sure we win; He's there to make sure we never falter -- win or lose.
This is a great truth to keep in mind as you struggle through the difficulties that can be such a part of life. Look at the lives of God's ambassadors in the Bible, such as Daniel, Joseph, Paul, Peter and Ruth. God allowed major difficulties to come into their lives. But as they endured those tough times, God was their support.
Are you facing lousy circumstances -- situations that you thought would go better? Like Jean, depend on Jesus to carry you through them. -- Dave Branon
Upon Further ReviewIf this happened to me, how would I respond? How does knowing about God help me respond the right way?
Action PointResource: Why Would A Good God Allow Suffering?
Athlete of the Day
Jean Driscoll has won the Boston Marathon seven times in her wheelchair. Born with Spina Bifida, Jean struggled as a child with her disability. At one time she wondered, "Why is God picking on me?" Her difficulties caused her, as a young woman, to consider ending her life. In 1986, through the witness of a nurse, Jean trusted Jesus Christ as Savior. In 1992, a friend demonstrated to her the joy of the Lord, leading Jean to recommit her life to Christ. From that day on, she has become a shining testimony for the Savior.
Prayer Strategy:
For yourself: Pray that you can learn today to trust God to carry you through whatever difficulty you face.
For Jean: Pray for her as she trains and as she tries to use her fame as a way to reach out to others. Her next big decision is whether to go for Olympic gold in Sydney in 2000.
Originally published January 04, 2001.
